Oral impacts mediate the association between reduced dentition and self-perceived need for complete dentures

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the direct association and oral impact-mediated association between a reduced dentition and the self-perceived need for complete dentures (CD) in dentate adults. Methods: Data from the Brazilian National Oral Health Survey (2010) were analyzed. Self-perceived need for complete dentures was investigated by the question "Do you think you need to wear CD?". The hierarchical dental functional classification defined reduced dentitions: at least one tooth in each arch, 10 teeth in each arch, 12 anterior teeth, posterior occluding pairs (POPs) of premolars (≥3) and molars (≥1 bilateral). Presence of all these criteria were defined as functional dentition (FDClassV). Oral impacts were assessed using the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances scale. Associations were investigated using logistic regression and structural equations. Results: FD(ClassV) was associated with less self-perceived need for CD both directly (p<0.001) and mediated by oral impacts (p=0.003). Dentitions without molar POPs were associated with the outcome mediated by oral impacts (p=0.002). Individuals with 10 teeth in each arch (with or without anterior teeth and POPs) had similar frequencies of self-perceived denture needs. Individuals with <10 teeth in each arch and 12 posterior teeth did not have a higher frequency of self-perceived denture need. Conclusions: Oral impacts mediated the association between reduced dentitions and self-perceived denture needs. Clinical relevance: Individuals with tooth loss may report need for CD, even when they have dental configurations compatible with functionality. The dentist must taken into account patient-centered measures to make decision about oral health prevention and treatment.